The Timeless Tale of the Bomber Jacket: A Classic Through History

From the Cockpit to the Catwalk

The bomber jacket is more than just outerwear—it's a cultural artifact. A symbol of rebellion, resilience, and style, this silhouette has weathered wars, subcultures, and fashion revolutions. At Atelier Olmsted, we honor that legacy by reimagining the bomber through the lens of sustainable luxury.

Our modern interpretation fuses heritage design with cutting-edge materials like Canadian eiderdown and Re-Nylon. But before we look forward, we look back—at a century of innovation, identity, and impact.

World War I: The Birth of Utility

While its exact origins are debated, most agree that the bomber jacket took flight during World War I. As planes began flying higher and faster, pilots needed garments that would protect them from the cold without restricting movement. Heavy leather jackets with fur linings became standard gear—designed for function above all.

World War II: A Symbol of the Skies

By WWII, the bomber jacket had taken on a distinct shape. The U.S. Army’s A-2 jacket, with ribbed cuffs and waistbands, became a symbol of the brave American pilot. Across the Atlantic, the RAF’s Bomber Command jacket featured more padding, suited for Northern Europe's icy skies.

These jackets weren’t just tools—they became badges of honor.

Korea & Vietnam: Materials That Moved the Needle

The B-15 and MA-1 bomber jackets marked a new era. Leather was replaced with nylon, a lighter, water-resistant material ideal for unpredictable conditions. The MA-1’s reversible orange lining was especially innovative—used to signal for help if a pilot crashed.

This phase solidified the bomber jacket as a functional, adaptable tool—a trait that would help it leap into the mainstream.

The 1980s & ’90s: From Rebels to Runways

By the 1980s, the bomber had crossed over from military icon to pop-culture powerhouse. Hollywood gave it global recognition: Steve McQueen in The Hunter, Tom Cruise in Top Gun, and later, hip-hop culture in the ’90s, which made the bomber a streetwear essential.

No longer bound to utility, the bomber became a canvas for identity—expressive, bold, and versatile.

The 21st Century: Reinvention with Purpose

Today, the bomber jacket remains a staple—but the materials, ethics, and designs have evolved. At Atelier Olmsted, we reimagine the bomber as a piece of performance-luxury outerwear, pairing timeless design with contemporary responsibility.

Our bombers are filled with 100% Canadian eiderdown—ethically harvested, supremely warm, and featherlight. They’re finished with Re-Nylon shells made from recycled ocean plastics and Swiss-made Riri zippers that embody craftsmanship at its peak.

This isn’t retro. It’s refined rebellion.

A Classic, Reborn

From its wartime roots to its runway reinventions, the bomber jacket has proven it can evolve while staying true to its essence. At Atelier Olmsted, we’re proud to continue that legacy—creating bombers that honor history, embrace innovation, and wear well into the future.

Because a true classic doesn’t fade—it adapts.